Institute
The Finnish Cultural Institute for the Benelux
As part of Finland’s international framework for artistic, academic, and cultural exchange and export, the Finnish Cultural Institute for the Benelux builds bridges between cultural practitioners and institutions in Finland and the Benelux region. We foster new creative collaboration and topical international initiatives.
The Finnish Cultural Institute for the Benelux was founded in 1993. Based in Antwerp for 13 years, it was relocated to the Sablon district of Brussels in 2006. It is maintained by the Finnish Cultural Institute in the Benelux Trust and supported by The Ministry of Education and Culture, Finland.
We are a member of The Finnish Cultural and Academic Institutes (SKTI), a Helsinki-based association, with 16 Finnish cultural and academic institutes around the world. The institute collaborates with other Finnish organisations in the Team Finland network and with other European cultural institutes in the European Union National Institutes for Culture (EUNIC) network. The Institute held the presidency of the EUNIC Brussels cluster for 2021–2022.
Organisation
STRATEGY
STRATEGY 2019–2023
MISSION
We foster new creative collaboration and topical international initiatives.
As part of Finland’s international framework for artistic, academic, and cultural exchange and export, the Finnish Cultural Institute for the Benelux builds bridges between cultural practitioners and institutions in Finland and the Benelux region.
VISION
The Finnish Cultural Institute for the Benelux is recognised as a driving force of cultural advancement and international exchange in the midst of our ever-changing contemporary reality.
The Benelux region is a vibrant cultural hub and excellent entry point for Finnish cultural practitioners looking to branch out internationally. The Institute is based in Brussels, a recognised European city of arts and an excellent central location for making a social impact.
The Finnish Cultural Institute for the Benelux is a dynamic, solidly funded cultural institute that is recognised internationally for its valuable work promoting interesting contemporary practitioners and organisations and raising topical themes of discourse.
VALUES
Progressive mindset
We boldly embrace new ideas and experimentation. We foster the joy of creativity. We advocate equality and support cultural diversity.
Impactful
We continuously improve our performance and we openly share our results. We are a transparent and reliable partner, and we are recognised for our topical programming.
Expertise
We rely on the expertise of our staff and our extensive network of partners. We strive to continually expand our knowledge base. We value and invest in the skills and wellbeing of our staff.
Responsibility
We are a reliable partner, and we strive to create a more sustainable and socially equitable environment for the practice of art and culture.
ANNUAL REPORTS
Finnish Versions:
English Versions:
BOARD
Executive board of the Foundation for the Finnish Cultural Institute for the Benelux
Suvi Innilä, Chairperson, Managing director
Sakari Karjalainen, Vice chairperson, Adjunct professor
Paula Raitis, Member, Communications Specialist
Leena Malkki, Member, Senior Lecturer
Martti Kivistö, Member, Master of Laws
Deputy members
Antti Wihanto, Honorary Consul for Belgium
Lieven Ameel, Adjunct Professor
Iiris Kivimäki, Expert, Corporate Fundraising
Kalle Jämsen, Master of Philosophy
Tuomas Parkkari, Master of Political Science